Handy Hints On How To Make Camping Easy And Save Some Bucks

Camping is sure fun but can be very expensive will all these kit and stuff available in the market nowadays. Greame Bell of Getaway Blog listed some tips and the few basics you can bring along when camping from a vehicle.

As always advised, less is more is on the tops of the list. Try investing on good quality and versatile products. Next on the list is choosing inflatable. Choose inflatable mattress that are inexpensive but thick and easy to repair. With this, you will not worry about the thorns that will deflate your comfortable bed. You also might want to invest on thermal undies, thick hiking socks, and vacuum pack. These thermal undies and socks will help you once the weather gets cold and the vacuum pack will lessen the size of your things.

It is also advised to invest on good quality tent to keep you dry to protect you from rain and storm. Also take note to bring easy to prepare and store foods to keep you going for the whole journey. Remember that can are always better that bottles. Next on the list is the cutlery. Try investing in clever compact products to saves space. Also invest on comfortable in quality clothing. Always remember to bring lots of undies. Lastly, don’t forget first aid and sewing kits. These kits can be a lifesaver when you need them.

Visit Greame’s article for more tips and advice on camping in an inexpensive and easy way: 
http://blog.getaway.co.za/travel-ideas/handy-hints-camping-save-bucks/
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Australian Must Sees On Short Visits

Travelling in Australia is never a dull moment. Due to vast area covered by the country travelling the area requires a lots of time for you to visit each tourist destination the country offers. But not all of us has the luxury of time so Rob of Australia Holidays listed the must-see places in the country (read the article here).

Listed first is the Kangaroo Island located in the south coast of Australia. In this island you can find a most diverse wildlife including kangaroos, seals in beaches, and whales. It is easily accessible if you are on Adelaide or Melbourne, so better add this destination on one of your trips.  Second is the famous Uluru in located in the centre of the country. Visiting this area will let you witness the beautiful sunset that is indeed a lovely sight to see. If you are in Darwin or Adelaide, this place is indeed a place to visit.

Great Barrier Reef is next on the list easily accessible if you are in Cairns, Brisbane or in any north-eastern coast of the country. You will surely enjoy the sight of the corrals and sea life in this area. Lastly, if you are in the west coast party of the country, as short drive going to Margaret River is surely worth your time. You will enjoy wines, vineyards, restaurants and the beautiful town itself.

Indeed, your time will always be short when visiting Australia. So go ahead and plan your travel now. You will never get enough of this country.

Portobello Fajitas

Are you craving for a Mexican dish, then the featured recipe for the week is surely worth a try. Adding some twist in your ordinary fajita, Portobello Fajitas will clearly bring out the vegetarian and food lover in you.

Fajita is a Mexican dish referring to a marinate strip of meat commonly of beef or chicken. It is usually served with taco or tortillas and other fillings. These condiments that commonly compliment with this dish are guacamole. sour cream, and salsa.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 medium portobello mushrooms
1 red and/or yellow sweet pepper, quartered
8 6 – 7 inches flour tortillas (soft taco or fajita size)
2 medium avocados, halved, seeded, and peeled
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salsa Verde
Fresh Cilantro sprigs
Lime wedges

Herbed Tofu Cakes

A weekend gathering with the family in indeed very special. It is even special since it is Mother’s day. The time when celebrate the greatness of our mothers. In my family, we agreed to celebrate it in my parent’s house along with my other siblings. I cooked my grilled specialty for my mom and my wife, while my other siblings brought their other specials as well. My sister brought her Herbed Tofu cake specialty. My girls really loved it so I looked it up (Better Home and Gardens) and shared to you. How about you? How did you celebrated the Mother’s Day?

Ingredients:

1 16 ounce package firm tofu (fresh bean curd), drained
1 large carrot, finely shredded (2/3 cup)
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons snipped fresh mint
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 of a cucumber, chopped
1/2 of a mango, seeded, peeled, and chopped
1 recipe Dipping Sauce, recipe below
Fresh mint (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. In large bowl mash tofu with a fork. Add carrot, green onions, cilantro, mint, garlic, flour, and 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce; stir to combine.

2. In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat. Tightly pack some of the tofu mixture into a 1/4-cup metal measuring cup. Unmold into the hot skillet by tapping measuring cup in bottom of skillet. Repeat to make 5 patties. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until browned and heated through. Remove to a baking sheet; keep warm in oven while cooking remaining 5 patties.

3. To serve, top tofu cakes with cucumber and mango. Serve with mint and Dipping Sauce. Makes 10 appetizers.

Dipping Sauce

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce

Directions:

1. Stir together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce.

Facts:

“Herbs contain unique anti-oxidants, essential oils, vitamins, phyto-sterols and many other plants derived nutrient substances, which help equip our body to fight against germs, toxins and to boost immunity level. Herbs are, in fact, medicines in smaller dosages.”

Turkey, Pear and Cheese Salad

Prepare a healthy and extraordinary meal to your family with this Turkey, Pear and Cheese Salad. You will surely love the combination of turkey slices with cheese and pears. Not only that the sweet and tangy flavor of cider vinaigrette is a perfect addition to complete this dish. Indeed, this is a must try.

Ingredients

1 pound turkey tenderloin
Salt and ground black pepper
1 tablespoon honey mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
2 pears, cored (optional) and sliced
4 slices provolone cheese, halved
5 ounces arugula (8 cups)
2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Directions:

• Bias-slice turkey crosswise in eight 1-inch slices. Flatten slightly with palm of hand, then season with salt and pepper. Brush with half of the honey mustard.

• In a 12-inch skillet heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Cook turkey in even layer in hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Layer pears on turkey; top each with a half-slice of cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and pears are warm.

• Divide arugula among serving dishes; top with turkey slices. For sauce, whisk remaining mustard and oil along with the vinegar into pan juices in skillet; cook for 30 seconds. Drizzle sauce on each serving. Sprinkle with additional pepper.

• Makes 4 servings; 25 minutes to prepare.

Facts:

“Pears are naturally high in vitamins C and K, as well as nutrients such as copper—all of which act as antioxidants to protect our cells from damage from free radicals. Pears are generally considered “safe” and are often one of the first fruits given to infants because they are considered to be a hypoallergenic fruit.”

Recipe and photo credits to: Better Homes and Gardens

How To Make A Living Roof for Your Shed

As we all face a climate and other environmental problems, why not take your part in our goal on bringing back a much greener world. Create a beautiful and environment friendly space through living roof in your sheds. Sheds has been a reliable and staple structure in your garden making it a perfect candidate in your living roof. Don’t have sheds? You can always try your chicken coops and bird houses too.

What is a living roof?

A living roof, also known as an eco roof, living roof, vegetated roof, oikosteges, or green roof, is one that is either partially or completely covered in vegetation on top of the human-made roofing structure. Living roof or green roof have two main types; intensive and extensive.

• Intensive – This requires more maintenance for it large enabling you to grow vegetable gardens, small shrub and tree. Intensive green roof may require water irrigation and elaborate structural support.

• Extensive – Characterized by low maintenance and shallow soil green roof perfect for small plants. Drought tolerant and weather-hardy plants like sedum, herbs, mosses, grass are best suited in this green roof.

Although there have been issues about its sustainability in Australian weather fluctuations, green roof has now become the trend in Australia. The government along with universities and other companies are now working on program and researches towards the appropriate plant selections and other improvements for the green roof success. The success of this studies will surely a great help on Australia’s campaign in urban green development.

green roof structures in Australia

Persimmon, Blood Orange, and Pomegranate Salad

Perhaps you are looking for another salad recipe to treat mother this Mother’s day, then Persimmon, Blood Orange, and Pomegranate Salad is perfect for you. You will be delighted on the mixture of colors along with the rich flavors of the fruits in this salad. Not only that it is very nutritious too. Your mom will surely love this treat.

Ingredients:

1 pomegranate
2 large ripe Fuyu persimmons, mangoes, or papayas
5 cups mesclun, arugula, baby arugula, or mixed salad greens
6 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions (3)
1 recipe Pine Nut-Persimmon Vinaigrette
4 medium blood and/or navel oranges, peeled and thinly sliced

Directions:

• Score an “X” into the top of the pomegranate. Break apart into quarters. Working in a bowl of cool water, immerse each quarter; use your fingers to loosen the seeds from the white membrane. Discard peel and membrane. Drain the seeds; set aside.

• Cut each persimmon in half; remove core. Slice into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick slices.

• In a large bowl combine mesclun and green onions. Drizzle 1/2 cup of the Pine Nut-Persimmon Vinaigrette over musclun; toss to coat.

• To serve, arrange mesclun mixture on six chilled salad plates. Arrange persimmons and oranges on top of greens, tucking a few in and under leaves. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Pass the remaining Pine Nut-Persimmon Vinaigrette.

Tips:

If desired, substitute two pink or red grapefruit for the oranges or use a combination of oranges and grapefruit. Or use 2 to 3 cups bottled sectioned citrus fruit in place of the oranges. Drain the fruit before adding it to the salad.

Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart

Another healthy treat that you must try –Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart . Pack with vegetables and tasty spices, you will surely love this treat. This tasty treat is packed with nutrients too. So try to make this baked goodies now. Your family will surely love this.

Ingredients

1 17.3 – ounce package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets)
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon water
1 cup finely shredded or grated Asiago or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 4 – 4 1/2 – ounce tub goat cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon snipped fresh lemon thyme or thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
2 pounds assorted heirloom tomatoes or tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup snipped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley
Coarse salt (optional)

Directions:

• Thaw the pastry sheets at room temperature for 1 hour.

• For tart shells, in a small bowl, mix egg yolk with water. Set aside. Unfold the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
• Roll gently to flatten creases (you should have a 10-inch square). Cut 1/2-inch strips from all 4 sides of each pastry sheet. Brush the edges of the pastry sheets with the egg mixture. Place the cut strips on top and along edges of the pastry sheets, gently pressing in place to form a raised edge; trim ends. Place pastries on 2 parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Brush pastries with egg mixture. Prick pastry with a fork. Sprinkle with Asiago cheese. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in a 425 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool on baking sheets on wire racks.

• In a small bowl stir together goat cheese, garlic, and the thyme. Spread over bottom of tart shells.

• Arrange tomato slices on top of the goat cheese mixture, overlapping slightly. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with basil and coarse salt, if you like. Slide onto cutting board or serving platter, cut each tart into serving-size pieces. Makes 8 servings.

Fact:

“Numerous studies have concluded that the more tomatoes people eat the lower their risks of certain cancers, especially lung, stomach and prostate cancers. Tomatoes are also high in important antioxidants such as vitamin C and Vitamin A. These vitamins work to fend of DNA damage from free radicals.”

Recipe and photo credits to : Midwest Living

Sustainable High-Rise Greens Sydney Skyline

The fight to save the nature and “greener” planet is still on giving a great responsibility to do our part. From the industrialize city like Sydney, Australia, you will surely be amazed how brilliant this 30 storey high-rise office tower is. Featured in Urban Gardens written by Robin Plaskoff Horton is an article (read here)  that make and Aussie in me proud.

Designed by Architectus and Ingenhoven Architects, 1 Bligh Street is a sustainable innovation and design high-rise building. It received 5-star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating and 6-star Green Star Rating and awarded as Best Tall Building Award in Asia & Australasia for 2012 by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Are you wondering what causes this award and recognition? The answer is simple. It is about its design and structure.

Bligh Street has decorative plants throughout the building, a 9.7 green wall and a rooftop terrace that provide another green space for the occupants. It is naturally ventilated and a glass roofing providing the people a natural light. It also have a state of the art double skin facade. The outer glass protects the sun shades and also reflecting the natural light to the building making the building energy-efficient. It also make use of an innovative tri-generation system that uses gas and solar to generate cooling, heating and electricity. Are you amaze now? Well, there’s more. Bligh Street also recycled black water providing clean water for the washroom flushing system and for the green spaces. It also recycled rain water to the green spaces.

innovative tri-generation system

How awesome is it, if all the buildings are built this way. Incorporating the green technology in the design in indeed the future of architecture across the world. Now, you wouldn’t be surprise if you see another sustainable structure near you. So let’s do our part as well to help build a much “greener” world.

Marinated Cauliflower Salad

Are you looking for a tasty and healthy recipe for your family? Well, you will surely love this recipe. I served this to my vegetarian sister and she really loved it so I guess it was worth a try. We had a family dinner and I’ve been stressing since it was my turn to be the host. My sister have been a vegetarian so I looked up for a recipe that she will love. Featured in Saveur.com is a recipe that is quick, easy and delicious that you will really want to try. Not only that my sister love this dish but my whole family too. So try it out and amazed your family with your salad.

Ingredients:

2 cups thinly sliced cauliflower
½ cup chopped kalamata olives
⅓ cup chopped roasted red bell peppers
⅓ cup finely chopped scallions
¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. marjoram, minced
1 tsp. oregano, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Toss all ingredients in a bowl; let sit for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
Serves 4

Fact:

Not only is cauliflower high in vitamins, nutrients (and phytonutrients), and antioxidants, it also contains anti-inflammatory agents and serves as a detoxifying agent for the body. Cauliflower is thought to help prevent certain types of cancers. Since it is high in fiber it aids in digestive health.

 

Recipe and photo credits to Saveur.com. Click here to see the recipe.
Read more facts about cauliflower here.